Can anyone help with info on cost of living in Madrid? How much should I expect to pay for a good 2-bed apartment (not sharing)? What sort of money will I need to have a comfortable (ie not struggling) life with a child to support? Where are decent and reasonably priced parts of Madrid to live?

It all depends on where you live, but you're looking at at least 600 Euros a month. Accommodation is generally cheaper in the south of the city. Have a look at segundamano.com and idealista.com for an idea of prices. The problem is that there's terrific demand for accommodation at the moment.
My net salary is 800 a month, but I'm not paid by the hour. You can earn a lot more. Shop around. You can charge between 15 and 20 Euros an hour for private classes.
I assume that you hold a European Union passport?

I'd say 1200 a month's pretty good, but I'm a childless bachelor. Whether it would be adequate for a parent is another matter. Hopefully there are some TEFL parents in Madrid reading this who can give you an informed opinion.

I know salaries are much lower than her (UK) and am going for the quality of life, not the money. Just don't want that new found quality of life to be overshadowed by scraping around to buy groceries!

As I said, am a single parent with all the responsibility of putting the bread on table.

But thanks for your reassurances - it really helps. I'm really excited, nervous etc and it feels surreal at the moment. I'm sure we'll be happy in our new lives - just that I'm cautious as I have to consider my kid.

Any more advice about Madrid, areas to live, more opinions on rents etc would be welcome.

You need to be very quick because vacant properties are invariably snapped up almost immediately. There's no point calling landlords from the UK.
Better to come before August because thatīs when the vast majority disappear on holiday.
700 sounds about right. As I said in a previous posting, the price of accommodation has gone through the roof in the last few years.

Can anyone help with info on cost of living in Madrid? How much should I expect to pay for a good 2-bed apartment (not sharing)? What sort of money will I need to have a comfortable (ie not struggling) life with a child to support? Where are decent and reasonably priced parts of Madrid to live?

Would appreciate any advice asap.

Hi sunseeker,

Cost of living is rising in Madrid, but you can still find some good deals.

A 2 bed flat can get expensive....but you can find some tremendous deals sometimes....some people are renting 3 bed flats for 500 Euro...amazing!

And others are paying that much for a 1 bed flat....so it really depends.

I recommend you go to the southeast of Madrid, called "Vallecas". It'll be at least 30 percent cheaper than the centre of Madrid. I paid almost 40 per cent less for rent in Vallecas than in the centre (Gran Via) !!

All parts of Madrid are decent and safe....though some are nicer than others.

1200 a month is a good salary, but is this after taxes or before?

1200 a month would be enough for you and your child if you got a good deal on a flat....otherwise it might be difficult to live comfortably.

You can do it....just take a look around Vallecas and find a cheap flat....the food in Madrid is very cheap if you shop at the supermarkets such as Plus